PENZANCE police are encouraging people to keep safe and have a good time during the festive period.

Traditionally the number of incidents involving alcohol and violence, including assault, sexual offences and domestic abuse, increases at this time of year.

Inspector Jean Phillips said: "We want everyone to enjoy themselves when celebrating over Christmas and the new year but while most people drink responsibly, there is a small minority who do not.

"Alcohol can dramatically change someone's behaviour which can often result in them doing something they may not do when sober. We are asking people to think about the consequences of excessive drinking."

A GROUP of 14 men at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group based in Penzance took on the Movember moustache challenge to support a colleague who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

And in just four weeks, the men raised around £2,000 for prostate and other male cancers.

Organiser Simon Marston, said: "I took on the Movember challenge to support my dad and boss (Jeff Marston), who is currently being treated for cancer. Although I initially set out to do it alone, I managed to rally the others to join me.

"I am still not sure how we managed to raise so much but I am really grateful to the guys that took part, as well as everyone that sponsored either myself, the team or the other team members."

A PENZANCE Cornwall councillor has decided to give £500 of his Community Chest fund to Penzance Foodbank.

Every Cornwall councillor has an annual fund of £3,000 to give to local good causes and Cornelius Olivier, who represents Penzance Central, hopes his donation will provide a few Christmas extras to needy people in the area.

"It shocks me that the work the foodbank does should be needed in a wealthy country like ours," he said.

"But I hope that the money provided by me will add some Christmas extras to the basic necessities.

"This year the Penzance Foodbank will have helped more than 1,000 people, including several hundred children.

"After a morning meeting and helping the impressively well-organised volunteers of Churches Together, I am determined to support them until there is no further need for their efforts, " added Mr Olivier

A COUNTYWIDE partnership on a mission to boost the economy and create jobs is seeking two new directors for its board.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking two "outstanding" individuals holding senior positions in the private or voluntary sectors to join the seven-strong private sector members of the LEP board, chaired by Chris Pomfret. The LEP has said it is looking for individuals respected for their business leadership, strategic thinking and team players with a "vision and tenacity to make a difference". There is also an opportunity for one of the successful candidates to chair the LEP's Employment and Skills Board.

As part of the three-year appointments the successful candidates will be involved in the LEP's significant negotiation of the Growth Deal for the region with the Government. It will work to finalise its investment strategy for the next European funding programme, which is worth more than £500 million to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from 2014 to 2020.

Chris Pomfret, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, said: "This is a very exciting time to join the LEP's board and we are looking to recruit outstanding people who share our vision of creating new jobs and delivering sustainable economic growth for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."

The positions have become vacant following the departure of two original board directors. Gaynor Coley has left Cornwall and her role as executive director of the Eden Project to become director of public programmes at Kew Gardens, in London.

Richard Reed is focusing on other commitments, including his role as a board member of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

THERE was a capacity audience at The Exchange Gallery in Penzance for the annual Humpry Davy Memorial lecture.

Held on the 235th anniversary of the famous Penzance-born scientist's birth, the event was organised by The Humphry Davy Project group, who despite only being recently formed are forging ahead with plans to celebrate his work with a permanent centre in Penzance to highlight his numerous achievements.

The group's other principal aim is to encourage the ambitions of young people living in the district to aspire to similar greatness.

The lecture, entitled 'Mind the Rocks – responsible mining today', was given by the head of Camborne School of Mines, Professor Frances Wall.

She gave a highly entertaining and interactive talk, including several opportunities for members of the audience to actively engage in various experiments, designed to provide links from modern mining technology with the works of Humphry Davy.

Perhaps best known for his invention of the Miner's Safety Lamp, the lecture outlined how Davy also applied his talents in various ways within the mining industry.

Some original Davy safety lamps were brought along by Matt Frost, head of science at Humphry Davy School, accompanied by the school's head boy, Harry Sharp, and head girl, Heidi Quinn.

Other VIP guests included Lord James St Levan, who officiated a grand prize raffle with numerous prizes kindly donated by local businesses who are actively supporting the project and Professor Frank James from The Royal Institution who is currently writing a book on Davy's achievements.

Penny Young, chair of the Humphry Davy Group, said: "The evening was a great success thanks to the support of all concerned. I would particularly like to thank James Green and the team at the Exchange."

Anybody who would like to know more about the Humphry Davy Project is invited to contact Penny Young on 07921 120775 or by e-mail to: penelope.young@btinternet.com

A NEW YEAR'S DAY swim is being held in Fowey to raise funds for a bench in memory of inspirational primary school teacher Beth Clench.

Friends and family of the popular 24-year-old from Par, who died in November following an 18-month battle with cancer, will be plunging into the wintry waters at Readymoney beach on January 1.

Family friend Katy Warnes, who came up with the idea, said she hopes the swim will help towards raising the £1,500 needed to buy a bench and plaque in memory of Beth.

"We'd like to put a bench next to her ashes at the churchyard in Fowey," she said.

"If everyone who takes part pays £10 we are hoping we can raise a good chunk of the money."

More than 80 people have already signed up to attend the event on social networking website Facebook.

As a tribute to the former Fowey Community College student, those taking part in the swim are being asked to wear something pink, which was Beth's favourite colour.

"We'll all be wearing a splash of pink. Some of the men will even be wearing pink trunks," Mrs Warnes said.

Sally Dunn, Katy's sister and a close friend of Beth's, said Beth would have loved the idea.

"She was a very popular girl and had a lot of friends, so there are lots of people wanting to do something for her.

"We thought New Year's Day would be a good day for it. She would have loved the idea of it," she said. "If we can get 100 people to take part, that would be amazing."

Beth's friends and family are hoping to set up a charity called Beth's Inspiration to raise funds for cancer charities.

"We are hoping to have the charity up and running in the new year," Miss Dunn said.

"We will be fundraising for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and CLIC Sargent. We have lots of fun things being organised for next year."

The swim will start at 1pm on January 1. Search for 'Beth's Inspiration New Year's Day Swim' on Facebook.

CAPE Cornwall School in St Just hosted its first Christmas concert in years last week, followed by a day of delivering hampers to the elderly.

Students sang to a packed audience in the town's Methodist chapel on Tuesday evening, with parents, local councillors and other members of the community all joining in with the festive sing-song.

Pendeen Silver Band were present at yet another Yuletide event, and head teacher Julie Nash said they were "absolutely phenomenal". She added the carol service was a really lovely addition to the end of term celebrations.

"It was our first concert for a very long time," she said. "I was really keen to do something in the community, that's what it was about really.

"Last year I was in the church and saw the trees – it's such a lovely little place and I thought why not?

"I'm feeling in the Christmas spirit now – this week has been a wonderful way to lead into the holidays."

The chapel has been decorated with Christmas trees by various community groups, which provided a warming glow to the students' performance. Mrs Nash said they were really "lucky" to have had the opportunity to sing there and hopes the traditional service is now a yearly feature on the school's calendar.

"We hope to carry this on now – the comments we had were great."

It was led by the Reverend Marion Lumbers and also saw £160 collected for two local organisations, St Just in Bloom and the silver band.

Students were eager to praise for the occasion.

Holly, in Year 10, said she "really enjoyed it" and added: "There was a great mixture of talent – it was just fun!" Lisa and Mary-Lou, also in Year 10, said: "There was a really good turnout and it was loads better than we expected."

Cornwall Council's Sue James also went along to join in the carols.

"It was very good – it brought together the talent of the students, staff and Pendeen Silver Band," she said. "The chapel was magical!"

The following day saw pupils deliver Christmas hampers to those in need. Mrs Nash said the school raised around £1,800 to carry out the project.

A HAYLE man has been handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing champagne, vodka and a canoe.

He was also handed a six-month drug rehabilitation order.

Matthew Morris, 39, of Angarrack Mews, Grist Lane, Hayle, was facing magistrates in Truro after pleading guilty to three separate thefts.

On October 16, he stole vodka to the value of £33.78 from the Co-op, in Copper Terrace, Hayle.

Then, on October 26, he stole an Old Town Discovery canoe belonging to Neil Morris valued at £550.

On November 3, he again went shoplifting, and stole a bottle of Comte De Noiron champagne from Hayle's M&S store worth £32.

Morris was given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and a six-month drug rehabilitation order that must be completed in the next 12 months.

He was ordered to pay the value of the alcohol as compensation for both shoplifting offences, plus an £80 victim surcharge, and £180 compensation to the canoe's owner.

PENZANCE may have lost more than two dozen shops and businesses in 2013 but, say the town's movers and shakers, it has a bright future.

The town's business leaders say they are optimistic about 2014 despite local historian Peter Waverly's finding in his letter to The Cornishman (see page 18) that the total number of business closures for 2013 was 25.

Mr Waverly concludes that "overall business optimism remains resilient in the Penzance area, although in reality the continuing high number of closures indicates that recovery is very weak".

That resilient "business optimism" is expressed by Dick Cliffe, chairman of the town's chamber of commerce.

He said: "There are plenty of reasons for confidence about Penzance. If the amount of scaffolding erected is a measure of investment then the outlook for Penzance is good.

"The town centre (Market Place) has seen long-empty units filled. St Michael's Bistro, long vacant, has changed hands and is being refurbished.

"The old tax office has been reborn as Pz360 and is close to being fully occupied. Work is due to start on refurbishing St John's Hall and the old Gasworks site in the spring.

"If Penzance's fortunes were entirely dependent upon a general uplift in the nation's economy then there would be good reason for caution, but it is not. Penzance has not been realising its potential.

"Just by 'punching its weight' in the competition for visitors and shoppers, Penzance businesses can prosper."

Mr Cliffe also says that if it goes through, making Penzance a Business Improvement District (BID) will provide a fighting fund of around £180,000 a year to promote Penzance, while Sainsbury's 106 funds will also help the town centre economy.

One of Penzance's ongoing success stories is the Wharfside shopping centre which continues to be fully occupied with retailers.

James Pulford, centre manager, said there had been a 9 per cent increase in footfall in the centre in 2013 compared to 2012.

"Though I do not have the official statistics, I believe that there can be only a small number of shopping centres in the UK which are in a similar position (fully occupied)," he said.

"The recession has meant a change in the shopping and holiday habits of the population and it is up to us to adapt to that.

"As ever with this part of the world, we are hoping for the weather of 2014 to be more akin to 2013 rather than 2012, but here at Wharfside we will endeavour to make a visit to Penzance memorable for locals and tourists alike."

Marcus Wilkinson, owner of Alfred Smith & Co and chairman of the Penzance Business Improvement District steering group, said: "The retail landscape is rapidly changing with many of the multiple retailers reducing their presence on traditional high streets and shifting their focus to a smaller number of physical outlets and a much greater emphasis on online sales.

"Traditionally, West Cornwall has lagged about 18 months behind the South East which is clearly the engine of economic growth at the moment.

"Nevertheless, there are anecdotal signs that business in Penzance is beginning to slowly recover, although it is fair to say that trade remains a challenge for many.

"The businesses that seem to be prospering are those that have the confidence to invest in the future and embrace the opportunities that online retailing can offer.

"I am increasingly encouraged that the business community will support the establishment of a BID which will have the resources to make a positive difference in our town."

PAYING to prevent weeds growing uncontrollably on our roads could come at the expense of subsidising popular events like Golowan, warns a former Penzance mayor.

As Cornwall Council continues to prune its spending, councillors agreed towards the end of 2013 to put an end to the general spraying of the highways with herbicide from the start of the 2014-15 financial year.

As a result, Jeremy Edwards, the council's highways network manager, has written to local town and parish councils suggesting they take on the service themselves.

Expense

"Currently we have a number of weed treatment agency agreements in town and parish council areas," he said.

"This year we are paying £160.61 per km, but these arrangements will not be continued into the next financial year.

"As we are unable to do the work we are offering all local authorities the opportunity to deliver this service themselves, albeit at their own expense."

Mr Edwards added that contractors would need to be qualified to work on the highway, hold suitable current risk assessments and could only use Cornwall Council-approved herbicides. However, former mayor and current Penzance town councillor, Dennis Axford, fears the effect of this latest cost-cutting measure will be significant.

"In the grand scheme of things, this may not seem that important, but if you just think about it, uncontrolled weeds lining every urban roadside is not the most pleasant sight," he said.

"If anything is guaranteed to ensure an area looks rundown, uncared for and desolate, that is going to be it."

And Mr Axford believes that if Penzance Town Council does take the service on it will be at the expense of other services and budgets.

"If town and parish councils want to take this work on or contract it out, the money to pay for it has to come from somewhere. But councils are not awash with money, as more and more services are discontinued by Cornwall Council.

"Whatever happened to 'economy of scale' on which Cornwall Council was formed?

"Money available to do the things that people enjoy rather than just need will be eaten into. In Penzance budgets for the likes of the Christmas lights, Golowan and many other events that make our town what it is, will be impacted upon and life will be a little sadder for it."

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new housing development in St Erth are due to be discussed this evening by residents.

Plans for 16 houses on the Wellfield at Green Lane have sparked concern in the village and led the residents' association to call a meeting this evening ahead of a parish council meeting to discuss the plans next week.

Some residents are unhappy that the public consultation regarding the site is taking place over the Christmas period, when many people will be unaware of it.

In his official objection to the plans, villager John Higgins, said: "I think that the developers are being somewhat sneaky – as the application has been denied previously – in trying to time the application around what is undoubtedly everyone's busiest time of year."

Derek Tilby, chairman of the residents' association, said: "We have had to call a meeting at very short notice because so many people are away.

"I imagine the people that are very close by and are affected by it will be angry, but I have no idea about the rest of the village. We will take the feeling of the meeting."

A total of 14 residents have lodged objections to the plans which along with 16 dwellings include estate roads, footpaths and landscaping, on Cornwall Council's website.

Issues of concern include the risk of increased flooding at Green Lane and traffic problems in the already congested village.

Caroline Treverrow, a resident on nearby Church Street, noted: "We have a great number of families with young children in our village, and quite a number living in Church Street.

"This area is dangerous enough, with cars and bikes whizzing down the road, with little or no regard for the safety of the residents – with a further 16 houses proposed, and with access from our road, this would increase the traffic by on average 32 cars."

Others have objected to houses being built in a rural area which is used as a recreational ground.

Negative

Inger Kavanagh added: "The loss of conservation and rural land will have an adverse effect on wildlife, nature and village life. St Erth is a beautiful village with very old traditional houses and buildings and another modern development will completely alter the character of this special place in a negative way."

The developers proposing the scheme were unavailable for comment as The Cornishman went to press.

St Erth Residents' Association will hold a public meeting tonight at 7pm in St Erth Parish Church.

The parish council will consider the application at a meeting on Wednesday, January 8 at 8.15pm in the Vestry Rooms.

More details can be found at www.sterth-pc.gov.uk

POLICE are seeking witnesses after a car drove straight past a lollipop lady as she was standing in the middle of the road.

The incident involving a school crossing patrol officer occurred at the junction of Humphry Davy Lane and Queen's Way in Hayle at 3.25pm on Tuesday, December 17, and any witnesses are being requested to call 101 and ask for PC Simon Humphreys at Hayle police station.

A PENGUIN and Father Christmas were rescued from a 9ft inflatable dinghy as they struggled to make headway in a charity row.

Two men in their early twenties, both in fancy dress, had set out from Marazion, heading for Newlyn, on Saturday lunchtime on a charity row.

After the coastguard received reports that the dinghy was adrift off Long Rock, the Penlee inshore lifeboat went alongside and took the pair on board before returning to Newlyn.

Patch Harvey, the Penlee coxswain, said: "When I first took the call and was told about Father Christmas and a penguin being on board, we all burst out laughing, but they were really being rather silly.

"The boat was one of those small inflatables you can buy from any shop, they had no life jackets or safety equipment and hadn't informed the coastguard of what they were planning to do.

"They were freezing cold when they arrived back in Newlyn and I told them to take the right precautions on any future occasion as I drove them home to an address in Paul," Mr Harvey said.

A spokeswoman for Falmouth coastguard said: "We received reports that these two gentlemen had set to sea in a dingy and appeared to have run into difficulty.

"They said they were taking part in a charity row for Help For Heroes, but clearly they were not dressed for the occasion.

"We can't say what they were doing; we're usually advised when charity rows happen but this time there was no official notification."

ST IVES' oldest charity shop, which has raised at least £1 million, is to close because its manager says charity shops in the town are all competing for the same spending power – and the same staff.

The full sum raised by Save The Children in High Street since it opened in 1990 is still being totted up by the charity's head office but volunteer manager Roger Talbot says he expects it to be millions.

Now, however, he says the shop must close after 23 years because dwindling volunteers, high rents and the proliferation of other charity shops in town has made it inevitable.

The shop was started by Geri Pardoe from St Ives and has been run for more than four years by Mr Talbot, 73, who has worked there for 17 years.

Dwindling volunteer numbers due to illness mean the shop now only opens in the morning, and with retail rents sky-high in St Ives and times hard, the shop has become unsustainable, he says.

"My wife Margaret and I do 90 per cent of the work and I have to retire," he said. "The people who opened the shop in the afternoons have already had to stop.

"It's very sad but it's been inevitable. Because younger people with children need to work, their parents – who would normally be our volunteers – are having to do things like babysitting instead. It's hard to replace people.

"The lease is up in February and the rents are very high and the charity isn't prepared to sign another long lease."

The shop boasted 50 volunteers when it first opened but now has just a handful.

Mr Talbot said: "The shop was started by Geri Pardoe whose dedication and hard work made it all happen. There are originals left, like Sandra Maggs and Ann Kent, who have been here from the start.

"We'll all be sad to leave, and our customers are also sad, but they understand the problems we have.

"People from Scotland and London come every year and their first visit will be to us. We've had lots of cash donations through the shop as well as sales. I think it's in the millions, but at least one million. At one point we were raising nearly £100,000 a year.

"Now there isn't just us. There's the Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, the hospice, the lifeboats and Oxfam.

"It's too many, which is why I think charities will have to decide which towns they should be in because they're all scratching around for the same staff and the same spending money.

"I shall miss it no end but I do hope we'll open another shop in Cornwall.

"This shouldn't be a downer; it's not all doom and gloom."

The Talbots also plan to see more of Cornwall from their Halsetown home.

"There are still things I've not seen in Cornwall because we work seven days a week in the summer and six in winter, like the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Eden – and the Tate," said Mr Talbot.

Save The Children closes on Friday, January 16.